As a Year 4 Teacher, homework is a constant headache for me and every other Teacher I know! It is always a common talking point at Parents Evening and no matter what homework we set, we always upset someone!
In my class, some of my parents do not feel there is enough, some feel there is too much, some parents dont push their children to do it at all so nothing is handed in. On top of that, some parents expect it to be differentiated when it is really meant to consolidate facts or introduce new learning.
Each school will have a homework policy which parents can ask to see and which teachers have to follow. As a guide, our policy states that a year 4 child should spend no-more than 30 minutes each on an English and a Maths homework per week. (This is all very well in theory but of course, you need to take into account children's ability level!)
I find homework is rarely a true reflection of the child's own ability. I know my pupils so well that is always obvious to me when a parent has been heavily involved! Therefore, there is an argument to say, is it worth all the stress?
I would rather my pupils be outdoors getting as much fresh air as possible when they are not at school, or playing board games or reading books. Perhaps a pupil could do little verbal bits of maths or English through conversations with their parents in the car or in the supermarket. That to me would be more valuable.
I know it is exceptionally difficult for busy families to complete homework, especially when the child resists it! I suggest speaking to the Teacher about it. Believe me they want to know your feelings on it and they are not mind readers!